9/11 run goes forward with police, runners on alert

The first New York City races since the Boston Marathon bombings gripped a still-grieving nation Sunday morning stepped off with police on high alert and runners and spectators feeling cautious but determined to press on.

Many had Boston's victims on their minds but said the heightened security put them at ease.

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The first New York City races since the Boston Marathon bombings gripped a still-grieving nation Sunday morning stepped off with police on high alert and runners and spectators feeling cautious but determined to press on.

Many had Boston's victims on their minds but said the heightened security put them at ease.

Meanwhile, in Central Park, at a second run, Jason Martin, of Manhattan, originally from the suburbs of Boston, also said he felt a sense of security.

"I'm not worried about lightening striking twice," he said. "I find New York to be the safest place on earth; I feel safe here."

Participants in the four-mile City Parks Foundation Run for the Parks and Kids' Races wore "I Run ... for Boston" bibs and T-shirts.

And the starting line was adorned with Boston's flag.

As in downtown Manhattan, police were visible everywhere. Officers lined the perimeter of the course, and the start line included a mobile command center. Participants were asked to use only clear bags to carry their belongings as a security precaution.

"I hope nothing happens because it's a 9/11 memorial," she said, but, "I'm not just going to stop living my life."

Her friend Agnes Solsoloy, 33, an ergonomics coordinator at Google, said she recalled a sense of apprehension while watching broadcasts of the bombings.

"When we first heard it on the news, I was apprehensive," she said. Reassuring emails from the memorial foundation, the friends said, propelled them.

Lucinda Trozze, a corporate flight attendant from Severna Park, Md., will walk with her sister, who came from Binghamton. "I'm more determined than ever," said Trozze, and noting the police presence she said, "I feel the safest."

Said her sister, Pamela McKedy, 65, of Binghamton: "I was apprehensive at the beginning when it first happened, but as the week went on, the apprehension subsided."

"The presence of the police is really comforting." At first, he said, he felt anxious, "but with the speed of finding the suspects, it's really comforting."

Though, he said, "With all the police presence, I feel at peace to run," he added, "I still have to keep my eyes open in case. We cannot be complacent, even though there is presence of police, we have to keep a watchful eye."

-- Eli Rosenberg

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